Latest news with #QUWA
Kuwait Times
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Turning trash into treasure
Youth lead creative green revolution with sustainable art made from everyday waste By Christine Susan Shine When Asmaa Al-Duribi, an experienced art educator, set out to recreate a traditional Kuwaiti ship, she didn't reach for wood or clay. Instead, she chose soda cans, shoe packaging paper, cardboard, and foil rolls — materials most people would discard without a second thought. The result was Boom Saffar, a stunning model of a Kuwaiti dhow with metallic sails shaped like wings. To Al-Duribi, the sails symbolized not just movement but resilience: 'Kuwait is a nation that has flown around the world through its global connections,' she reflected. For some in Kuwait, art is no longer just about expression — it's about transformation. This spirit echoed throughout the QUWA Recycle Art Gallery, where Al-Duribi's work stood alongside dozens of creations by students and teachers from the ministry of education. QUWA is the first and largest initiative in the GCC promoting youth-led action on sustainability and climate awareness. Alaa Aljadi's marine theme-based art 'Boom Saffar' by Asmaa Al-Duribi Tahani Abdullah Al Thaarish's handmade woven rug 'The QUWA team has been reaching out to schools across Kuwait, asking if students had created artworks using recycled materials for class projects,' said Elham Jafari, one of the exhibition's organizers. Each piece told a story — of discarded materials repurposed with care, of culture remembered and of sustainability embraced through creativity. One standout contributor was Tahani Abdullah Al-Thaarish, who took the ancient tradition of weaving and gave it a contemporary, eco-friendly twist. Using cloth strips from old dresses and a recycled building pipe as her loom, she wove a richly textured rug entirely by hand. She also crafted delicate baskets from date palm leaves. But sustainability goes beyond turning trash into art. Jafari emphasized the importance of conscious consumption. Citing the environmental toll of fast fashion, she advocates for slow fashion and thrift shopping — still a niche in Kuwait — as stylish, eco-conscious alternatives. 'Buy less, but buy better quality,' she advised. Minimizing waste, maximizing creativity Alaa Aljadi, an art teacher at Sahal Bent Suhail Elementary School for Girls, led her students in creating a marine-themed exhibit using everyday household items. Inspired by the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre, a landmark of education in Kuwait, Aljadi's students shaped coral reefs from tissue rolls, crabs from cardboard boxes and painted seascapes with wax crayons instead of paints. 'We didn't use anything beyond what we could repurpose,' she explained. Among the visitors was Mohamad Yunus, a Kuwaiti architect and digital artist. Though not exhibiting, he was drawn to the event's mission. 'Every time we see waste and turn it into art, we find creative ways to minimize it,' he said. His journey began with childhood collages made from waste and has since evolved into AI-generated digital art. Today, he integrates these upcycled digital pieces into interior architecture, replacing traditional paintings with sustainable designs. Future storytellers of sustainability The mission of the QUWA Initiative is simple yet urgent: To turn the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into everyday actions and cultural habits. 'Quwa means power in Arabic, and it reflects the strength of youth collaboration,' said Abdullah, an official with QUWA. Supported by several embassies, the initiative brings sustainability into daily conversations by engaging students and teachers as change agents. 'Youth are the storytellers of the future — they will tell us what's coming,' said Yousef Meshari Albanney, director of QUWA. Albanney walks the talk, reducing plastic use at home to protect both the planet and his family. QUWA also uses social media and public exhibitions to encourage companies to adopt greener practices, such as replacing plastic bags with paper alternatives. 'We've approached many, and the interest is growing,' he said proudly. The exhibition runs from May 7 to 15 at Al Hamra shopping center, transforming a commercial space into a vibrant hub for environmental education and creative collaboration. The setting itself is symbolic, prompting visitors to rethink the relationship between consumption and responsibility.
Sharjah 24
20-02-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Noura Al Karbi: 40 grants during 5th Forum for Women in Research
Empowering women in scientific research The forum, held under the theme "QUWA: Together Innovating to Shape the Future", aims to support women in scientific research at both regional and international levels. Dr Al Karbi revealed that over 40 research grants were awarded to female researchers, addressing key challenges in various fields including health sciences, biomedical engineering, technology, law, Sharia, and Islamic studies. Honouring excellence in research In addition to the grants, the forum recognised female faculty members and researchers at the University of Sharjah for their exceptional contributions. Many were classified among the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford and Elsevier Universities. The forum also honored women for receiving external research grants and excelling in practical research, further encouraging innovation and scientific advancement.
CairoScene
17-02-2025
- Science
- CairoScene
Women in Research Forum to Launch in Sharjah on February 20th
A total of 297 research papers have been submitted from 260 universities worldwide. Feb 17, 2025 The University of Sharjah is set to host the 5th Forum for Women in Research on February 20th under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi. The two-day event, themed 'QUWA: Together Innovating to Shape the Future', aims to support women in research across local, regional and international levels. A total of 297 research papers have been submitted from 260 universities worldwide, and more than 40 grants will be awarded to outstanding female researchers across multiple disciplines. Scholarships will be granted in four categories, covering key research areas such as health sciences, biomedical engineering, technology, law, Islamic studies, fine arts, humanities, social sciences, communication and business administration. The forum is supported by Namaa Women Advancement Establishment as the Strategic Partner, Emirates Global Aluminium as the Industry Partner, and Khorfakkan University as the Academic Partner.
